Electrically heated vaporizing device



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 M. SCOTT ELECTRiCAL-LY HEATED VAPORIZING DEVICE Oct. 6, 1964 Filed Ma 51, 1962 BY W ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,152,240 ELECTRICALLY HEATED VAPORIZING DEVICE Mindy Scott, 1103 N. Park Towne Place, Philadelphia 30, Pa. Filed May 31, 1962, Ser. No. 199,027 3 Claims. (Cl. 21927 1) This invention relates generally to the field of complexion aids and more particularly to the type of device employing steam as the major active component.

Steam employing devices for health and complexion care are well known and have been used in different countries in various forms for centuries. Ancient steam baths and the beneficial results thereof were known at the time of the Greek and Roman Empires. Modern countries such as Sweden, Finland and Japan are renowned for the individual and highly developed techniques in general use. In this country, steam baths, steam rooms and steam cabinets are quite popular and readily demonstrate the widely accepted therapeutic value of steam.

The instant invention seeks to utilize the beneficial effects of steam and at the same time provide a handy compact device especially designed for complexion care. While prior art devices were all of rather large dimensions and proportions, and thus leaned more to public rather than private utilization, the instant invention is compact and readily portable thereby permitting individual application in the privacy of ones home. Further, the instant device permits limited application to the face alone rather than total treatment of the body as heretofore practiced.

It is therefore an object of my invention to provide a steam vaporizer of limited proportions.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a vaporizer incorporating face enclosing means.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a steam vaporizer that is relatively light in weight and portable in nature.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a face vaporizer incorporating electrical steam generating means.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a face vaporizer incorporating a clear face shield provided with peripheral edge softening means.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a face vaporizer having instant steam producing electric heaters.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a face vaporizer having variable electrical heating element capable of producing varying controlled quantities of steam.

It is another object of my invention to provide a face vaporizer that is simple in operation, inexpensive in manufacture and trouble free in use.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention will be had by referring to the following description and claims of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross section taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross section of the water heating cup of FIG. 2.

Patented Oct. 6, 1964 FIG. 4 is a top view of the water heating cup. FIG. 5 is a top View of heater element.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a modification of the heater element with schematic electrical diagram.

FIG. 7 is a cross section taken along line 77 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a modification ofthe water heating cup.

FIG. 9 is a cross section taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of my invention.

Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of my invention selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, it will be seen that the invention comprises a circular base iii supporting a plastic face shield 11 and providing integral heating element 12 under top vented steam cup 13.

As shown in FIG. 2, I provide a weighted base 14 of mild steel plate securely fastened under decorative bottom support 15 to assure stability in operation and to prevent accidental tipping of the apparatus. The base 14 is composed of one-quarter inch thickness and has a diameter of approximately six inches thereby offering a sturdy foundation due to the weight of the metal. The bottom support 15 is approximately four inches high, is generally circular in configuration and may be contoured as desire to produce any desire shape of pleasing design. I prefer to use A inch thickness polished aluminum for this purpose, however other decorative metals such as brass or stainless steel would also be suitable. Bottom support terminates in a bottom circumferential flange 16 forming a force fit over weighted base 14 and if desired may be further secured in any well known manner. A inch thick felt pad 17 is glued to the bottom surface 18 of base 14 to offer furniture protection in the usual manner. Top portion 19 of bottom support 15 terminates in an insulated, circular area 20 recessed below top circumferential flange 21.

Insulated area 20 is generally cylindrical in shape with closed base 22 offering protected area for resting heating element 23 in a safe manner. Top 24 of insulated area is open thereby permitting insertion of heating element 23 to rest upon base 22 or to be supported through sidewall at in any well known manner. Circular sidewalls 24 extend upward and are of a sufiicient height 25 greater than thickness 2d of heating element 23 to form a receptacle suitable for holding circular steam cup 13 which is removably inserted above heating element 23. The insulation should be adequate to prevent the heating element 23 from causing the transmission of an unsafe quantity of heat to the bottom support 15, top flange 21 or to base 14. I prefer to use a layer of /8 inch thick ness asbestos 27 in conjunction with a layer of inch thickness spun glass 28 for this purpose. If desired, the insulating materials may be contained within a 30 ply Mylar covering (not shown).

The heating element 23 can be constructed of glazed or unglazed porcelain 29 provided with a plurality of concentric recessed grooves Eil, 31, 32 forming recessed foundations for heating coils 33, 34, 35. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, heating coils 33, 34, 35 are generally circular in shape, concentric in arrangement, and are recessed below top surface 36 of porcelain 29. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the heating element 12 may be a Calrod heater '71 of the conventional flat, spiral design.

Current for operation of the device can be drawn from any conventional wall receptacle (not shown) supplying 110 volt current by means of two conductor, flexible cord 3'7 terminating in a conventional two prong plug 33. I prefer to use a heating element 23 having an input capacity of 200 watts and a flexible cord 37 having two No. 14- gauge copper wires 4%, 41 to handle this load. A four position control switch 39 is wired into the circuit in flexible cord 37 near heating element 23 to furnish ready control and operation.

Face shield 11 is constructed of transparent Plexiglas, vinyl chloride or similar polyester high temperature material of generally enclosed, circular configuration with openings at top end 42 and bottom end The plastic material used for the face shield should possess the ability to maintain its rigidity up to a temperature of 500 degrees F., should be at least A3 inch in thickness and should neither stretch nor shrink in the range of operating temperatures. Bottom opening 43 is of di ameter required to provide a force fit over top flange 21 in such a way as to be readily removable when desired. Bottom 44- of face shield 11 must fit down over flange 21 a suliicient distance 45 to form a solid connection of strength required for operation.

A steam cup 13, cylindrical in shape and of diameter 46 to fit Within sidewalls 24 of insulated area 26 rests upon top 3% of porcelain 2% but is not in contact with recessed heating coils 33, 34, 35. Steam cup 13 consists of a cylindrical, water holding receptacle 47 having capacity to hold 8 ounces of water 75 and circular cover 48 provided with downwardly extending, peripheral flange 49 sealing cover 48 to the cup portion 47. A plurality of slotted openings 51B are punched in cover 43 to permit ready passage of steam. As an alternate means of construction, I show in FIGS. 8 and 9 a modification of cover 48 wherein a plurality of raised nozzles 51 have been substituted for slotted openings 50 in order to direct flow of steam in the desired direction. Each nozzle 51 has a center positioned, tapered passage '72 varying from wide base 73 to narrow outlet 74.

in FIG. 6, I show the control arrangement for coil heater element consisting of four position switch 39 and heating coils 33, 54, 35. Line current is carried by conductors at), 4-1 to switch line terminals 52, d3. Combination indicator and selector arm 54 carries the line current to positions off, low, medium and high designated respectively as 55, st, 57 and 58. The heating coils are generally circular in shape and are open, thereby each providing two terminal ends. One end of each is wired to common terminal 59 while second end so of coil 35 is directly connected to terminal 53. Second end 61 of coil 34 is wired to terminal 57 and in addition, is also wired to terminal 53 and second end 62 of coil 33 is wired to terminal 58. When using Calrod heater 71, a resistance type switch '76 with built-in rheostat is provided in the line 37 in the usual way having combination indicator and selector arm 77 and positions off, low, medium and high designated respectively as 78, 79, 80 and 81.

As indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top opening 42 of face shield 11 is of open contour shape as to fit the general curvature of the face 64 whereby the forehead 65 seals the top of the shield and chin 6t? fits over and seals lower end of opening while the both sides of the head touch along contoured outline 63. I show a rubber or similar material edging 67 in FIGS. 1 and 2 which is glued or similarly attached over the edge of the entire opening 63 to facilitate use and prevent possible scratches or other discomfort.

In operation, the face shield 11 is first removed, water 75 placed into the receptor 47 and cover 4 3 is fastened Cir into place. Face shield 11 is replaced and plug 38 inserted into receptacle. Depending on the time element involved and the amount of steam desired. When using coil type heater, the selector arm 54 of switch 39 is placed in position 56, a circuit is formed through coil 35 and through terminals 6h, 53 and low heat is supplied. When selector arm 54 is placed in position 57, a circuit is formed through terminal 61 and coil 34 to terminal and thence back through coil 35 to terminals as, 53 and medium heat is supplied through the operation of two coils. When selector arm 54- is placed in position 57, a parallel circuit is formed through terminals 61, 62 and coils 33, 34 to terminal 59 and thence back through coil 35 to terminals 6t), 53 and high heat is supplied through the operation of all three coils. Similarly, the amount of heat supplied by Calrod heater '71 is controlled by resistance switch 716.

As soon as steaming begins, in approximately three minutes, the device is ready for use. The face of the user is inserted into the top opening 42 with the chin 66 extending over bottom of shield 44, the forehead touching top of shield and the sides of the face in contact with edging 67 thereby substantially enclosing top opening 4;. in order that maximum benefit may be derived from the steam 32 thus produced. With the face thus positioned, the control switch 39 or 76 depending upon heater used may be regulated by either hand to produce the desired quantity of steam.

As shown in FIGURE 10, it is also my intention to provide a universal device adaptable for commercial application in beauty salons and barber shops through the use of a flexible, hollow steam conduit 33 in lieu of the face shield 11 hereinbefore described. Conduit 83 is a force fit upon bottom support 15 and terminates in a face enclosing mask 84- suitably contoured to conform to the face configuration of the user. It is contemplated that the bottom support will be placed upon a convenient shelf and the steam applied to the face of the customer by the operator using the flexible conduit 83 and face mask 84- while the customer relaxes in the chair.

It is my further intention to provide a coin operated switch (not shown) for use in conjunction with my invention whereby the device may be installed in train, bus and airline terminals to provide a novel refreshing pickup for weary travelers. Such a commercial representation of my invention can also be utilized in the rest rooms of large companies either with or without the coin operated switch to provide ready relief and refreshment for tired workers. As part of the modern trends in providing appliances for the occupants of new dwelling units, my invention could find utility along with the more conventional appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and garbage disposals.

Although I have described my invention with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. A face vaporizer comprising in combination a base portion, an insulated heater area contained within said base portion, closed Water containing means supported upon said heater area and a steam enclosing face shield connected to base portion; said base portion having weighted bottom section and a circular sidewall defining a hollow chamber and terminating in a top cylindrical recess, said recess having a top peripheral circular shield receiving lip; said insulated heater area comprising a plurality of hollow cylindrical insulating layers each having closed base and open top, said insulating layers arranged within said cylindrical recess with concentric adjacent circular sidewalls and with respective bases stacked vertically; an electrical heating element contained within said insulating layers and above the uppermost closed base, all portions of said heating element lying below said open top of said insulating layers; a portion of said Water containing means resting within the hollow of said insulating layers, said water containing means having a bottom portion and a top portion, said bottom portion being in contact with said heating element and supported thereon, and said top portion being covered with a tight-fitting lid provided with a plurality of vertical through-extending steam passages; said face shield having generally circular sidewalls and a contoured face receiving upper portion and a circular open bottom connecting portion, said open bottom, connecting portion extending over and having force fit with said peripheral shield receiving lip of base portion.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said contoured face receiving upper portion of shield is provided with rubber edge protecting means secured to open edge.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said steam passages consist of upwardly extending nozzles arranged above said lid.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 443,580 Lyke Dec. 30, 1890 1,346,793 Bunnell et a1. July 13, 1920 1,421,756 Arnao July 4, 1922 1,670,538 Hickox May 22, 1928 1,688,108 Berger Oct. 16, 1928 1,723,093 Strite Aug. 6, 1929 1,934,887 Robinson Nov. 14, 1933 2,005,229 Loos et a1 June 18, 1935 2,033,489 Silten Mar. 10, 1936 2,065,451 Goughnour Dec. 22, 1936 2,156,361 Stout May 2, 1939 

1. A FACE VAPORIZER COMPRISING IN COMBINATION A BASE PORTION, AN INSULATED HEATER AREA CONTAINED WITHIN SAID BASE PORTION, CLOSED WATER CONTAINING MEANS SUPPORTED UPON SAID HEATER AREA AND STEAM ENCLOSING FACE SHIELD CONNECTED TO BASE PORTION; SAID BASE PORTION HAVING WEIGHTED BOTTOM SECTION AND A CIRCULAR SIDEWALL DEFINING A HOLLOW CHAMBER AND TERMINATING IN A TOP CYLINDRICAL RECESS, SAID RECESS HAVING A TOP PERIPHERAL CIRCULAR SHIELD RECEIVING LIP; SAID INSULATED HEATER AREA COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF HOLLOW CYLINDRICAL INSULATING LAYERS EACH HAVING CLOSED BASE AND OPEN TOP, SAID INSULATING LAYERS ARRANGED WITHIN SAID CYLINDRICAL RECESS WITH CONCENTRIC ADJACENT CIRCULAR SIDEWALLS AND WITH RESPECTIVE BASES STACKED VERTICALLY; AN ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT CONTAINED WITHIN SAID INSULATING LAYERS AND ABOVE THE UPPERMOST CLOSED BASE, ALL PORTIONS OF SAID HEATING ELEMENT LYING BELOW SAID OPEN TOP OF SAID INSULATING LAYERS; A PORTION OF SAID WATER CONTAINING MEANS RESTING WITHIN THE HOLLOW OF SAID INSULATING LAYERS, SAID WATER CONTAINING MEANS HAVING A BOTTOM PORTION AN A TOP PORTION, SAID BOTTOM PORTION BEING IN CONTACT WITH SAID HEATING ELEMENT AND SUPPORTED THEREON, AND SAID TOP PORTION BEING COVERED WITH A TIGHT-FITTING LID PROVIDED WITH A PLURALITY OF VERTICAL THROUGH-EXTENDING STEAM PASSAGES; SAID FACE SHIELD HAVING GENERALLY CIRCULAR SIDEWALLS AND A CONTOURED FACE RECEIVING UPPER PORTION AND A CIRCULAR OPEN BOTTOM CONNECTING PORTION, SAID OPEN BOTTOM CONNECTING PORTION EXTENDING OVER AND HAVING FORCE FIT WITH SAID PERIPHERAL SHIELD RECEIVING LIP OF BASE PORTION. 